News
Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2004
DEA
And Peoria PD Disrupt Heroin Trafficking Ring
From
April 12, 2004 through August 15, 2004, the Phoenix Field Division
(PFD) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Mobile Enforcement Team (MET), together with the Peoria Police Department
(PPD) Narcotics Unit, joined efforts to rid neighborhoods within the
City of Peoria of illegal drugs and drug-related crime. The DEA MET Group
is an investigative team that travels throughout Arizona, at the invitation
of local law enforcement agencies, assisting cities with local drug investigations.
Its objective is to help penetrate gangs and drug trafficking organizations
while providing additional personnel and resources.
In August 2004,
DEA MET and PPD conducted a series of operations involving a known
heroin trafficker’s residence in the City of Peoria. Information
obtained led to four separate purchases from the trafficker who delivered
a total of approximately 765 grams of heroin to agents. A search of the
trafficker’s residence resulted in the seizure of an additional
145.7 grams of heroin along with approximately $2000.
Dynamic investigative work led to the identification of the source of
supply who delivered an additional 825 grams of heroin and approximately
$4000. The heroin was skillfully hidden inside the sole of a pair of
shoes. A subsequent search warrant executed at an apartment led to the
discovery of a methamphetamine conversion lab, approximately 35 pounds
of finished ice, 1500 grams of cocaine, an additional 750 grams of heroin
and one arrest.
In total, DEA MET and PPD seized the following:
1500 grams of cocaine;
4,280.7 grams of high quality Mexican heroin, with a street value of
$550,000;
approximately 35 pounds of “Ice”,
with a street value of $245,000; a methamphetamine conversion laboratory,
a 38 revolver, two semi-automatic handguns, an AK-47 loaded magazine,
and approximately $6000.
The impact of these seizures and arrests prevented the distribution
of these dangerous and volatile drugs from entering the communities of
Peoria as well as the potential use of dangerous weapons.
The collaborative efforts of DEA MET and PPD led to the successful infiltration
of a major heroin trafficking organization operating in the communities
of Peoria. Their combined investigative efforts and expertise disrupted
a trafficking ring that supplied a kilogram of heroin weekly, during
an eight month period and dismantled a significant methamphetamine conversion
lab.
DEA Special Agent
in Charge Timothy J. Landrum stated, “Their
outstanding professionalism and steadfast commitment made a measurable
and long-lasting impact in our local communities. This is a perfect example
of cooperation by local and federal law enforcement in making our neighborhoods
a safer place.”
If you have any questions or need further information, please call Public
Information Officer Ramona Sanchez at (602) 664-5725.
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